White House pressured Indiana Senate hopeful to quit in favor of Trump-backed rival
Text messages and phone calls from White House aides show repeated attempts to persuade Alexandra Wilson, a first-time Indiana state Senate candidate, to drop out so Brenda Wilson, the Trump-endorsed rival, could win the primary. Officials allegedly suggested federal appointments or other incentives, and discussions included the governor’s chief of staff and other political operatives. Alexandra Wilson said she faced pressure and defended her candidacy, while Goode and others highlighted the broader GOP fallout over redistricting. The episode occurred near the withdrawal deadline amid ongoing legal challenges to the ballot and accusations of manipulation by political insiders.